Funding help for elderly

A new £170,000 scheme will be launched so elderly and disabled residents can remain in their own homes, South Shropshire District Council has revealed.

The authority wants to help to keep people living independently by providing the funding to adapt homes.

The money will be spent on the installation of aids, facilities and adaptations to allow older, or less physically able, residents to continue living in their own homes.

Councillors voted in favour of the scheme at a meeting earlier this month.

Funding will be available to owner-occupiers and to tenants.

Councillor Cecilia Motley, council leader, said: "A close review of the council's capital resources and a look at capital receipts the council is due to receive in the near future means we can free up some funding and put it directly into a needy part of the community."

Money will be made available as soon as individuals have undergone a thorough assessment. For details call the housing team on (01584) 813389.